Indian Religious Leaders Call for Repeal of Gay Rights Law

December 21, 2009

 

Religious leaders in India have banned together to voice their opposition to the Delhi High Court’s decision in July which decriminalized homosexuality in the capital. 

Led by the Catholic Archbishop of New Delhi Vincent M. Concessao, the leaders met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh earlier this month and asked him to overturn what they called an “illegal and immoral” ruling.

"[The Prime Minister] told us the government has no opinion and has left it to the Supreme Court to decide on the ruling," stated Archbishop Concessao, according to The Hindu, a widely read Indian newspaper. "But he also said that he is aware of the danger and consequences of the ruling. He seems to realise the threat on the social fabric of our society."

Last week, the Vatican condemned "all grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons," but supports what it calls “just discrimination” in keeping with natural law.

The Bishops of India fear July’s ruling will lead to further legalization of rights including marriage and adoption rights.

"Homosexuals have a tendency to influence others so there is a need to counsel these people without destroying their human dignity," Archbishop Concessao said.

India is one of the few democracies outside Africa in which homosexuality remains illegal.

In July, the High Court struck down an 1860 British colonial law which deemed homosexuality “carnal intercourse against the order of nature.